Scheme to provide drones to 15000 self help groups gets Cabinet nod

Subject: Schemes

Section: Women

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a central sector scheme to provide drones to women self help groups (SHGs).

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The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a central sector scheme worth Rs 1,261 crore to supply drones to women self-help groups (SHGs).
The initiative, spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26, aims to empower 15,000 selected women SHGs to offer drone rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes.
Under the scheme, women SHGs will receive 80% of the drone cost, including accessories, up to Rs 8 lakh as Central Financial Assistance.
The program integrates efforts from various departments and entities, including Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rural Development, Fertilizers, Women SHGs, and lead fertilizer companies.
Identified clusters where drone use is economically viable will be chosen for SHG selection.
The SHGs will receive training, and the scheme envisions providing sustainable business opportunities, additional income, and technological advancements in agriculture.